While most adult cats instinctively use the litter box to eliminate, kittens need guidance to develop good toilet habits. Follow these kitten litter box training tips to ensure success.
When to start toilet training your kitten:
- This starts around 4 weeks, when the kitten begins to wean.
- Older kittens and adult cats can start right away when they arrive in their new home.
How to toilet train your kitten:
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How to choose a litter box:
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Choose a 13 x 9 inch tray for your kitten.
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Get a full-sized box for older cats.
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Adjust the size of the box as your kitten grows.
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Have at least one more box than you have cats.
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How to choose the right cat litter:
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Consider fine-grain cat litter for comfort.
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Cats may have preferences for clumping or non-clumping cat litter.
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Be careful with cat litters based on the ingredients, some cats don't like certain scents.
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Litter box placement:
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Spread the box out for easier access.
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Don't hide it in a corner or in a closet.
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Ensure there is adequate lighting near the box.
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Introduce your kitten to the litter box:
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The location of each box is indicated.
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Gently place the kitten into the box.
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Encourages scratching behavior in the cat litter.
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Repeat after meals, drinks, or naps.
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Reinforce good toileting habits:
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Immediately reward with a treat after appropriate use.
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Don't punish them when they make mistakes, just quietly clean them up and ignore them.
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Keep the litter box clean:
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During training, stir the litter after each bowel movement.
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Keep cat litter 2 to 3 inches deep.
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Change all cat litter regularly according to product recommendations.
What to do if your kitten won't use the litter box:
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Evaluate the setup:
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Make sure it is easily accessible, in a quiet location, and not in a corner.
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Eliminates guarding behavior by other cats.
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Consider making the following changes:
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Try different boxes and types of cat litter.
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Stir the litter more frequently and change it regularly.
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Use a pheromone diffuser:
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Place it near the litter box to reduce stress.
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Consult your veterinarian:
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Check for medical problems such as parasites and infections.
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Consult your veterinarian for troubleshooting.
Conclusion:
Kitten toilet training takes patience - with love, support and attention, your kitten will develop proper toilet habits, ensuring a positive and healthy experience.
References: https://www.petmd.com/cat/training/evr_ct_how-to-litter-train-a-cat https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-training/how-to- litter-train-a-cat